Letters

Monitoring the profs: Many thanks to writer Paul Kix for his evenhanded article on the class struggle between young conservatives and liberal educators ["Lessons to the Left," May 6].

It is interesting to note that of those involved, his approach was the most balanced. It should be no surprise that most state-financed university professors are liberal; after all, their pay comes from tax revenues. Nor should it raise eyebrows that Mr. Dial and Mr. Brown are dissemblers as well. By targeting only those professors with liberal agendas, they reveal their own goals for what students should be listening to.

But the silver lining here is that -- on both sides -- these people are involved. They believe in the importance of their causes to the point that they are actually working for them. That's pretty rare, and that's to be congratulated.

And guess what? Nobody got shot.

John FergusonHouston

Pass out the No. 2 pencils: I was struck by the article in your recent issue regarding Mr. Brown of the Young Conservatives of Texas and his proposed watch list of UNT professors. God knows we just can't have the free exchange of ideas at an institute of advanced learning mucking up the brains and dulling the otherwise keen sense of self-interest so important to the futures of our fledgling Texas conservatives.

Since Mr. Brown is a college man (a sophomore, no less!), and one can never have too much practice, I wonder if he would respond to this short multiple-choice quiz.

Q: As a young, inexperienced college student, I should:

a) Take down my Web site immediately and apologize for my plebeian insolence;

b) Shut up and listen to anything coming from my professor's mouth with humble deference;

c) Ask myself why so many with advanced degrees and two to three times my life experience might espouse liberal ideas; or

d) All of the above.

M. SwartztrauberHouston

Music in the Air

Pusher man: Great article and interesting read ["House Music Scratches for a New Vibe," by Michael Serazio, May 6]. I am originally from the "mecca" of house music (Chicago) and have always looked for an interesting read on the scene here. I'll be joining the "push" for this great music and have been finding good avenues here.

Great insight on some Houston music-scene history. The decline of rap music was a huge topic in Miami (WMC). Not that it is going to die but rather that it has passed its peak. Something is definitely in the air.

Carlos "C-los" MedranoHouston

Girls Gone Wild

Dynamic Danseparc: It's about time ["Hang the Airwaves," by Lance Walker, May 6]! This publication can sometimes be as far behind on local acts and events as the Houston Chronicle. The Danseparc girls have been doing their thing for a couple of years now, and building larger and larger followings, with little to no hype whatsoever.

These girls put Houston nightlife back on the map, and more articles about cool sh*t like this would put your readership back on the map, too.

I have to admit, the last couple of issues have been better. So keep up the good work and dig harder (or just better). Houston has a lot of interesting characters and places. I could care less what Blue October is doing now. Let them go. Concentrate on the now and on the future!

James PleasantsHouston

Reel Mad

Film review frustrations: After the last several months of watching film critic Gregory Weinkauf's reviews degenerate into pseudo-intellectual masturbation, I have to finally say enough is enough!

I will agree that most Hollyweird product is just that -- product -- and that the summer movie season is everything but intellectually stimulating. But I'd appreciate it if you would try to find something fun about the movies you review as opposed to constantly ranting about how they suck. If they suck, then tell us, but preferably in terms that are not quite so condescending.

Remember, most people go to the movies to be entertained, above all. They don't want to read your ranting on unrelated topics such as the psychosexual and racial symbolism of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ["Bow Down," December 18] and Van Helsing ["Monster Makeover," May 6], where you expounded about the vampire brides not having nipples in monster form. Readers want to know if the movie is any good or not.

Can't wait to see how you skewer King Arthur on its historical merits and for its having the nerve to be directed by Gore Verbinski.

Thanks for the rant space, Houston Press, keep up the otherwise good work.

Christopher PineauHouston

Gay Matter

Double-wide grins: When I saw your "Queer Eye for the Country Guy" feature by John Nova Lomax [April 29], I had to laugh. Those wacky Press folks, there they go baiting the ignorant rednecks again, bless their hearts!

I eagerly clicked on Letters [May 13] to see the Cracker Parade and was not disappointed. Note to defenders of country music's manhood (ewwh!): Lighten up, trailer-park trash! Gay is an insult only if you're a bigot.